Croatia prepared to host India’s training for World Cup qualifiers

Due to the current situation brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, India’s national football team may have to train in Croatia in Europe should the curve of the coronavirus pandemic does not reduce anytime soon.

President of the Croatian football Federation Davor Suker stated his readiness to help his all India Football Federation (AIFF) counterpart Praful Patel and the India national football team prepare for its upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 AFC Cup qualifiers later in October and November.

According to a letter addressed to the All India Football Federation, The Croatian Federation will provide the Indian national team with hospitality and help organise friendly games.

However, this is subject to the Indian team’s interest in having their camping in the country, but with international travel currently under embargo hold the preparatory camp in the European nation.

International travel is currently banned due to the Coronavirus pandemic, but an improvement in the current situation may see the Blue Tigers holding a European training camp.

The situation in India is so strict on traveling that inter-state travellers need to observe a 14-day isolation.

India’s qualifier against Qatar is expected to be played in Bhubaneswar, and the All India Football Federation is interested in having a camp in Odisha.

While the camp could be held in Odisha, the possibility of holding friendlies is dependent on the Covid-19 situation and regulations available in the state.

In Croatia, football has resumed, and the restrictions on the entrance of foreigners into the country has been eased with the lifting of the mandatory self-isolation and quarantine for incoming foreigners.

India’s form in the 2022 Qatar World Cup qualifiers has been pretty poor, they have failed to win a single match  so far, even against weaker opponents like Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

Already, coach Igor Stimac had called up players for the camp, which was initially scheduled for March 8, calling up 23 players with another 20 players to join the camp later on March 16, but the camp was called off and canceled before the lockdown.

Written by: Collins Nwokolo